“40 Days of Purpose” Coming to First Lutheran: February 15 – April 4

40 Days of Purpose is a congregational-wide emphasis for all ages, based on the national bestseller The Purpose Driven Life. Pastor Charlie and Pastor Jay believe this journey during Lent will profoundly impact you and the congregation. We urge each of you to participate fully, through Worship, Small Groups and Devotional Reading, and invite others to join you.

+ This devotional book was written to help Christians grow in their journey with Christ as faithful disciples. There are 40 short chapters intended as 40 daily devotionals. Each chapter provides a Key Point, a Bible Verse, and a question to ponder and reflect upon throughout the day.

+ This spiritual growth journey has been used in 8000+ congregations with incredible stories of renewal, outreach to seekers, and growth in discipleship. 2,700+ churches are registered for our 2004 journey.

+ Everyone has the opportunity to experience a small group with only a 6-week, short-term commitment.

+ The program includes: Eight Sunday worship themes and sermons; Lenten worship themes (Tuesdays/Wednesdays); a 6-week group Bible Study for adults in Sunday morning or weekday and weeknight gatherings; material for children and youth in Sunday School; and two events for everyone: a Kick-Off (2/15), and a Ministry & Mission Fair Celebration (4/4) - both in the Fellowship Hall.

+ First Lutheran will provide a free book for all active confirmed adult members, (distributed February 15) plus up to 100 guests, and a workbook for all small group and Sunday School participants. 

+ Both Pastor Charlie and Pastor Jay are excited about the benefits of 40 Days of Purpose:
+ It’s an excellent tool to foster growth in discipleship, a major goal of FLC.
+ It can create a sense of unity and bring God’s healing as we focus on our mission together.
+ It will give everyone the opportunity to get a taste of what small groups offer.

40 Days of Purpose: FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

How and when do I get my book? Copies of The Purpose Driven Life 40 Day Devotional book will be distributed on Sunday, February 15, at all worship services. Small Group and Sunday School class facilitators can pick up books now so they can read ahead. And, if you know you definitely won’t be here on February 15, you can pick up your book ahead of time. Contact Pastor Jay at the office.

We’ve been asked to “participate fully” in the 40 Days. What exactly does that mean? Full participation – which will be of most benefit to participants – means engaging the Journey in three ways. First, attend worship for eight Sundays, February 15 (Kickoff) through April 4 (Celebration Sunday). Second, read the book daily for your devotional quiet time with God. Third, participate in a small group or Sunday School class for the six week period – February 22 through April 3. The more you engage, the more you will learn and the more you will be able to apply the insights.

What about the workbooks for the small groups and classes? The study guides will be distributed in classes and groups, beginning February 22, whenever groups meet for the first time.

Can I form my own group? YES! You are encouraged to put together your own group. (Please note that on the Groups Signup Form.)  It’s suggested that groups be 8-12 people. If more than 12 participate in one group, it is recommended that you break into smaller groups for discussion time, so everyone can take part.

Who should be in a group? New groups are encouraged to include friends or acquaintances from First Lutheran, as well as people from beyond our membership you hope to invite to FLC. Churches have found – due to the popularity of the book, and the atmosphere of small groups – that this is a great entry point for new members into the faith community. So, pray about whom you can invite.

Is this only for current members of First Lutheran? No. In fact, because so many FLC members already have the book, it looks like we’ll have over 100 free copies to share with guests and visitors. So please invite friends, co-workers, neighbors and relatives to join us. It’s a great time for inquirers to “check us out” and get a feel for the First Lutheran faith community.

What’s different about Small Groups compared to a Sunday School class? The amount of time for discussion and fellowship will be greater in Small Groups - designed for 90 minutes. In Sunday School classes we typically have about 45-50 minutes at most to cover the same amount of material. Choices will have to be made about what won’t be covered in the shorter Sunday morning classes.

I’m already part of a small group. Can we study it together in our existing group? Yes, and many of First Lutheran’s existing groups are doing just that. Some, however, have decided not to do so, since they meet less frequently than once a week. Those groups are encouraged to fan out across various groups according to their individual or family schedules during the six weeks.

I’m familiar with the book already, and there seem to be some points I disagree with. Will that be addressed? On the whole, this is a very broad and basic book that applies to all Christians. Rick Warren comes from a Baptist background, and there are a few areas where Lutheran Christians hold different perspectives than Warren. Pastors Jay, Brady and Charlie (with input from other ELCA Lutheran pastors who have used the material) are putting together a supplement, to be distributed with the book. This will contain a paragraph or two on several general topics in which Lutherans and the author have differing theological “bottom lines” so to speak. The few theological differences provide fuel for group discussion, and don’t detract from the wealth of material that is beneficial to Christians of all perspectives.

What about children and youth? They will have their own age-appropriate curriculum in Sunday School classes. Teens in this year’s confirmation class and older will get their own copy of the book. Youth will be able to receive brief daily devotions by email that relate to the Journey. Children will have take-home family ideas and activities each week.

Here is the Schedule for 40 Days of Purpose

+ Sunday, February 15: Intro Sermon at worship, devotional books distributed, and last phase of sign up for small groups and classes; Kick-off Party for everyone in fellowship hall after each worship service.

+ February 22: Sermon on Theme 1: "What On Earth Am I Here For?" Confirmation Sunday, youth will present the message and lead worship.  This is Day One – We begin reading the book. 
•	2/22-2/28: Groups meet to discuss and share Bible Study on theme #1
•	2/24 – Ash Tuesday Worship, 11:20 AM; 2/25 – Ash Wednesday Worship; 7:00 PM (Dinner – 6 PM)

+ February 29: Theme 2: "Worship - You Were Planned for God's Pleasure"
•	2/29-3/6: Groups meet to study and discuss theme # 2
•	3/2 – Tuesday Worship, 11:30 AM; 3/3 - Wednesday Worship 7 PM (Dinner – 6 PM)

+ March 7: Sermon on Theme 3: "Fellowship - Formed for God's Family"
•	3/7-3/13: Groups study theme # 3, Tues. Worship (11:30 AM), Wed. Dinner & Worship (6 & 7 PM)

+ March 14: Sermon on Theme 4: "Discipleship - Becoming Like Christ" 
•	3/14-3/20: Groups study theme # 4, Tues. Worship (11:30 AM), Wed. Dinner & Worship (6 & 7 PM)

+ March 21: Sermon on Theme 5: "Ministry - Shaped for Serving God"
•	3/21-3/27: Groups study theme # 5, Tues. Worship (11:30 AM), Wed. Dinner & Worship (6 & 7 PM)

+ March 28: Sermon on Theme 6: "Evangelism - Made for a Mission" 
•	3/28-4/3: Groups study theme # 6, Tues. Worship (11:30 AM), Wed. Dinner & Worship (6 & 7 PM)

+ April 4 (Palm/Passion Sunday) Celebration Sunday! Sermon: Celebrating the Purpose Driven Life - Shaped by the Cross of Jesus. Ministry and Mission Fair in the fellowship hall following each worship service, and Celebration Party for everyone at 4:00 PM that afternoon.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE throughout 40 Days Of Purpose…
8:30 AM - Traditional; 9:45 AM - Modern Liturgy; 11:00 AM - Contemporary; 7:00 PM - SHOUT!